The autumn months are full of joyous celebrations, but they also tend to bring terrible strep throat. It strikes suddenly and viciously, waking you up in the morning with a raw, scratchy feeling in your throat that you can’t get rid of. Worst of all, consuming all the delectable fall and winter sweets makes consuming nearly impossible because each bite feels like swallowing knives.
When you have strep throat, you should avoid skipping meals, no matter how tempting it may be. Swallowing can be uncomfortable and challenging when one has a sore throat. It isn’t easy to decide what to eat and drink when that occurs. The body still requires nutrition to aid in healing.
Eating the proper meals can help lessen some of the discomfort associated with this illness. There are plenty of foods to enjoy that will help you recover from strep even more quickly, even though you should avoid acidic juices, spicy dishes, and anything crispy or crunchy. Food that is nourishing, soft, soothing, or usually both is the best to consume when you have a sore throat. A throat that is already irritated is more likely to be harmed. Therefore, people should be careful that their drink is not overly hot.
Which Foods & Beverages should I Consume if I have Strep Throat?
The very first thing you should always do is stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of liquids is important to keep the throat moist and pain-free while suffering from strep throat. According to the expert, water can help hydrate the throat and keep it wet, and thin any mucus secretions that may be present. While warm liquids may seem nice, drinking cold ones can cause the throat to become sore.
You can drink hot or cold liquids depending on the severity of your symptoms. Hot liquids should be consumed in small amounts, so you should drink only what relieves the pain the most. In addition to water, warm beverages like broths and teas are preferred because they are calming and simple to take. To prevent irritating the delicate throat lining, you should also aim to eat largely soft, soothing foods when you have a sore throat. The soothing texture will reduce your throat’s level of irritation.
Eating a variety of nutritious and delicious foods can help fight off the symptoms of strep throat. Try eating slightly overcooked pasta, which is easy to swallow and very nutritious. Try pomegranate juice as a drink to help keep your throat hydrated and ward off infection.
Give these foods recommended by doctors a try next time you’re in bed sick with a sore throat and wondering what to eat.
1. Chicken Soup
Sore throats are caused by dehydration and inflammation. “Fluids like the broth in chicken soup not only replenish lost water, but the salt helps your body retain the fluid inside the tissues. The same is true for practically any broth; if you’re vegan, veggie will do. Chicken soup may be an effective anti-inflammatory and respiratory agent that helps ease sore throat symptoms. Furthermore, it tastes great!
2. Pomegranate Juice
Several studies have shown that pomegranate juice and peel extract are effective against certain bacterial infections, including strep throat, cholera, and Shigella spp. It also showed a significant enhancement in the antibiotic activity of novobiocin, a common antibiotic. In addition, pomegranate juice and peel extract have antibacterial activity against other strains of bacteria, including E. coli and K. pneumonia.
3. Celery Juice
Among the foods to eat with strep throat, celery juice can benefit your immune system. Celery has more potassium than tomato or carrot juice but is lower in vitamin A. In addition, it may lose some of its polyphenols and antioxidants if you juice it. Nutritionists recommend consuming various fruits and vegetables, each with a unique blend of nutrients. Celery juice contains about 3.78 grams of fiber per cup.
4. Honey
Honey another substance that receives much attention for its therapeutic properties is honey. According to studies, it helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. Limit your intake nevertheless, as the immune system may not be able to function properly because of the high sugar level. Due to the risk of botulism, honey shouldn’t be given to infants under one.
5. Bone Broth
Bone broth is only one of the newest health fads, but it might be beneficial. According to this study published in the American Journal of Medicine, the oxidized cholesterol and isopeptide of carnosine in bone broth may aid in reducing throat irritation. Even just a warm bowl of any broth can provide momentary pain relief.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a fantastic source of protein, carbs, and good fats. It’s teeming with probiotic microorganisms that support immune system defense. Additionally, its chilled, supple texture makes it the perfect food to eat while you’re unwell.
7. Potatoes
Mash potatoes are perfect for strep throat. Not only are they nutritious, but they are also high in potassium and fiber. And while they may not be a favorite among people with sore throats, mashed potatoes feel soothing on the throat. One of the latest health fads, bone broth, is another great option for reducing swelling. When mashing potatoes, keep the skin on for a rich supply of antioxidants, vitamin C, and magnesium, all of which support a robust immune system. A word of caution: watch out for overly hot mashed potatoes since they may aggravate your throat even more.
8. Eggs
Eggs have healthy doses of vitamins D and B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium, all of which help fight infection. Serving them scrambled when you’re sick makes them easier to eat.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a fantastic food to help your body get rid of toxins since it is high in fiber and contains nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. When you have a sore throat, you can easily swallow it because of its soft texture.
10. Wild Berries
While you may not feel like eating with a sore throat, getting plenty of nutrients is important to fight the infection. Wild berries contain antiviral and antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals and can help prevent cancer. Additionally, their high fiber content helps maintain digestive health, while flavonoids protect the eyes and promote good vision. Eating various berries, including huckleberries and raspberries, is an excellent way to ward off chronic diseases and speed up recovery.
11. Ginger
Studies in the lab have demonstrated ginger’s pain-relieving, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It also seems to stop some hazardous bacterial types from growing. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, ginger and honey were more efficient than each used separately. Ginger’s best-established property, fighting off nausea, is another compelling reason to give it a try. This is because many sore throats are accompanied by postnasal drip, which can irritate the stomach and cause nausea.
12. Ice-Cream
Ice- cream and other cold foods can ease strep throat and lessen inflammation. Again, limit yourself to one scoop because too much sugar may reduce the immune system’s efficiency.
13. Bananas
Bananas are a soft, nutritious fruit that will be kind to strep throat.
What are Foods and Beverages to be Avoided When you have Strep Throat?
When you have strep throat, you should avoid crunchy and acidic foods because they might irritate the area surrounding your throat, which is already uncomfortable. Therefore, foods such as crackers, coffee, and alcohol are forbidden.
Avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods. Foods that are high in fat are often the worst foods to avoid during a sore throat, and garlic is a great antibacterial remedy. Avoiding citrus fruits or foods that contain excessive amounts of vinegar or salt is also recommended.
Meat substitutes like canned meat or fish and sugar-free flavored gum are also good choices. Additionally, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods to boost your immune system and reduce sore throat pain. These meals frequently also contribute to acid reflux, which aggravates sore throats.
Since they might influence the lining of the throat, spicy foods like special sauces and spices containing chili and pepper will also irritate the throat. Certain foods, including dairy and tomatoes for many, can boost mucus production in people with certain allergies or acid reflux.
Foods that are high in fat are often the worst foods to avoid during a sore throat, and garlic is a great antibacterial remedy. Avoiding citrus fruits or foods that contain excessive amounts of vinegar or salt is also recommended. Meat substitutes like canned meat or fish and sugar-free flavored gum are also good choices. Additionally, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods to boost your immune system and reduce sore throat pain.
Effects of Milk on Strep Throat
Even though you may not feel like eating, a glass of chilled milk or a few bites of frozen yogurt may help you relax while giving you some calories and nutrients. Another option is a fruit and yogurt smoothie rich in zinc, calcium, probiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. But in another case, Dairy consumption can thicken or produce more mucus in some persons. This might make you clean your throat more frequently, making your painful throat worse.
Quick Ways to Cure Strep Throat
Whatever the source of your sore throat, these at-home treatment methods can help you or your child feel better:
- Rest
- Consume fluids
- Consider consuming comfortable meals and drinks
- Use saltwater to wash
- Make the air more humid
- Consider hard candies or lozenges
- Prevent irritants
- Stay in bed till you feel better.
Strep Throat Symptoms
Your throat may feel rough and scratchy if you have strep throat, a bacterial infection. Only a small percentage of sore throats are caused by strep throat.
Strep throat symptoms and warning signs might include:
This typically develops suddenly after swallowing pain. Tonsils are red and swollen, occasionally with pus-filled white streaks or patches. The area behind the roof of the mouth has small red dots (soft or hard palate). Neck lymph nodes in the neck that are swollen and Body pains, nausea, or vomiting, especially in younger children.
Causes of Strep Throat
Streptococcus pyogenes, often known as group A streptococcus, cause strep throat.
They are infected with streptococcal germs. Droplets are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also spread through contaminated food or beverages. Additionally, you can get the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and get them in your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Risk Factors of Strep Throat
Several things can make you more likely to get strep throat:
Being young- The majority of cases of strep throat affect children.
The season- While strep throat can strike any time, it is more common in the winter and early spring. Strep germs proliferate anywhere individuals are near one another.
Precautions for Strep Throat
Prevention to avoid getting strep throat:-
Sanitizing hands, The most effective method of preventing infection is proper hand washing. Therefore, it’s crucial to periodically wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your kids how to properly wash their hands with soap and water or, in the absence of soap and water, how to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Dishes can be cleaned in a dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. Keep your mouth shut. Teach your kids to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze with an elbow or a tissue. Don’t exchange private goods. Shareware shouldn’t be used for either drinking or eating.
When to Visit a Doctor?
If you or your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, please get in touch with your doctor right away:
- The presence of painful, swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat.
- Cough that lasts longer than 48 hours
- The flu
- A rash and an aching throat combined
- Breathing or swallowing issues.
- If strep has been identified, a lack of recovery after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.
Conclusion
We have prepared a list of food to eat when you have strep throat. These recipes can be made with few ingredients, less time, and less effort. It’s so simple and fast that even your kids can do it! So, try one of these whenever you have step throat. We hope you have enjoyed reading them.
